Games Are Afoot Chapter 36
It's My Birthday…
Author's Note: I apologize for the long wait. Life caught up with me and kept me running this summer, but six of the seven kids are now back in school all day, so I hope to update more regularly again. Thanks for your patience!
Thursday morning began like every other Thursday morning except for one thing. Today changed everything. Today, the wizarding world welcomed its newest adult. Hermione Granger was seventeen.
She smiled to herself as she threw the covers back. The sun was just coming up, reflecting resplendently over the lake and into her window. It was spectacular and Hermione felt it was a good omen that today would be an amazing day.
She made her way to her trunk and opened it slowly. Moving a stack of books to the side, she pulled out the letter that had arrived yesterday. She ran her finger back and forth over the stamp on the envelope.
DO NOT OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 19TH
As she slit open the envelope, she could feel her heart racing with excitement. She slid out the parchment and unfolded it slowly, savoring every moment of this important day. Her eyes raced across the words several times until she very nearly had it memorized.
Dear Miss Granger,
The Ministry of Magic would like to congratulate you on successfully reaching the
Milestone of your seventeenth birthday. Pursuant to section 10 of the Act for the
Reasonable Restriction of Underage Magic, we are pleased to inform you that
you are now free to use your wand to perform magic outside of school without
repercussion.
We take this opportunity to remind you that this freedom comes with
responsibility and encourage you to be judicious.
Again, we offer our warmest congratulations upon reaching this distinctive
milestone in your life.
Sincerely,
Mathalda Hopkirk
Office for the Improper Use of Magic
This made it official. Hermione Granger was now an adult in the wizarding world. She put the letter back in its envelope and got ready for the day. She had spent so long perusing her letter that she had to hurry to the Great Hall for breakfast. She was pleased to discover that the post owls had not yet arrived. She sat down next to Harry and across from Ron, trying not to directly watch him as he inhaled his food.
She selected a piece of toast and drizzled honey over it, but just as she was about to take a bite, Harry slid a package toward her.
"Happy Birthday, Hermione!" He said happily.
"Yeah, Hapfy Burfday!" Ron echoed around a slightly muffled mouthful of food, sliding his own package toward her.
"Thank you!" She grinned at both of them. She reached for Ron's square shape first. She was mildly amused to discover it looked as though Ron had selected a book for her. As she daintily removed the wrapping paper she saw that her guess was correct. But the title of the book caused her to involuntarily snort in laughter.
"What?" Ron asked not understanding her response.
"The Encyclopedia of Quidditch?" She asked with her eyebrows raised.
"Well, you need to make sure you are knowledgeable aboutthis. It's important." Ron smirked behind his cup. "I am sure you will want to…um…discuss this intelligently with Charlie. I mean, since you are such good friends and all."
Hermione's face blanched white momentarily before flooding with color. Her mouth gaped as she stared at Ron completely unable to form words. Ron and Harry laughed at her inability to speak.
"Open mine, Hermione." Harry encouraged once he had gotten control of himself. Ron snorted as he broke into more laughter.
"Certainly." Hermione hissed indignantly. She glared at Ron as she tore the paper off Harry's gift. Once she looked down, she looked puzzled. "Mirrors?" She asked?
"They are two way mirrors. Whoever has the other one you'll be able to talk to." Harry explained. "Sirius had given me one that my dad used to have back before he…well…uh…um…before. Anyhow. I thought you and Charlie could use them to talk to each other." Harry finally stammered.
"Oh Harry." Hermione murmured quietly, gently fingering the small oval mirrors. "I don't know what to say."
"Try thank you." Ron whispered loudly.
"Oh my yes. Thank you Harry." Hermione said quickly. She touched his arm affectionately.
"Your welcome." Harry answered as his face turned a slight pink. "I am glad you like them."
"I am the one you should be thanking properly." Ron stated cockily. "After all, I have provided you something interesting to talk to Charlie about."
"Oh yes, Ronald. How ever can I thank you. I am sure Charlie and I would have shared many an awkward silence without the help of your book." Hermione retorted. Ron smiled smugly.
"Hi Ron." Said a girl with a high almost squeaky voice. The trio looked up to see Lavender and Parvati walking by, but Lavender was waving coyly at Ron. Hermione and Harry shared a look and then Harry shrugged.
"Well, that's almost as nasty as watching him eat." Ginny declared as she plopped herself down by Hermione. She watched Ron nod to Lavender, triggering a cackle that she imagined was meant to be a flirtatious giggle. Ron turned back around and stuffed an entire piece of toast in his mouth. "I was wrong. Nothing is nastier than watching him eat."
Hermione chuckled as Ginny slid a gift bag toward her.
"I could have had it delivered, but I really wanted to watch you open it." Ginny told Hermione smiling brightly.
"Thank you Ginny!"
"Oh brother!" Ron grumbled. "You thanked her and you haven't even seen it yet. It could be hideous."
Ginny nailed Ron with a piece of bacon.
"Not likely." Hermione said. She opened the bag to discover a lovely small beaded purse. "Ginny it's fantastic. I love it."
Ginny smiled happily. "I thought you would. I found it at that little vintage shop you showed me. Mum made Bill go with me. He was willing for a change because he wanted to get Phlegm another present." Ginny sighed. "I don't know what he sees in her."
"I do." Ron said dreamily.
Ginny shot him a look that would make a weaker man cower, but Ron just ignored her. The thundering sound of hundreds of owls soaring into the great hall distracted Ginny from a retort.
Two owls landed in front of Hermione. One was elegant and landed gracefully, daintily holding its leg out so she could remove the small package. The other clattered to the table in a puff of feathers.
"Errol!" The four exclaimed. Ron held the poor bird up while Ginny relieved him of his heavier package. Harry passed a bit of toast toward him and Hermione offered him her pumpkin juice. The owl hooted feebly in gratitude.
Hermione opened Errol's package first. It was a lovely jumper, knitted by Mrs. Weasley from the bluest yarn Hermione had ever seen. It took her a moment to realize that the color was the same color as Charlie's eyes. Her own eyes misted slightly when she realized that Mrs. Weasley usually only knit jumpers for those she considered family. Ginny patted her shoulder and smiled.
"Wow." Ron deadpanned. "She must really like you. That color's not so bad." Harry nodded in agreement.
Hermione touched it gently and set it on her lap. Reaching for the last gift, she was disappointed to note that it wasn't from Charlie. But she cheered quickly realizing it was from her parents.
She shook off the sudden wave of melancholy and opened the card on top.
To Our Dear Daughter Hermione,
We have recently learned that in the wizarding world, you come of age at
seventeen. Charlie was kind enough to fill us in on the details of what tradition
dictates. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished.
We love you very much and hope today will be as magical for you as the day you
first learned you were a witch. Take care, Sweetheart, and Happy Birthday!
Love, Mum and Dad
Hermione tenderly slid off the shiny gold ribbon and opened the glittery red box. She lifted the lid slowly and gasped as she caught sight of the beautiful oval shaped locket resting on the red velvet inside. The cover shimmered in the morning sunlight that was streaming from overhead.
"That's gorgeous!" Ginny exclaimed. The girls hugged and Ginny offered to clasp it around her neck.
"Thanks Ginny." Hermione said happily. "Today just keeps getting better. Now, if only I could hear from Charlie…"
Ginny winked at her. "Don't worry. He hasn't forgotten. As a matter of fact I believe he has had a countdown for months…OW!" Ginny whipped her wand out and aimed at Ron who had just kicked her under the table. "What did you do that for?"
Harry snorted. "He doesn't like to picture Charlie and Hermione together. He's had nightmares for months. Ever since the hallway incident…OW! Hey!" Harry yelled after Ron kicked him too.
"Why don't you open the locket and see what's inside." Ginny suggested, blatantly ignoring Ron's attempt to look menacing.
Hermione lifted the locket into her hand and released the clasp. It popped open to reveal a wizarding picture of her parents waving happily on the left side. On the right side was a picture of Charlie with a dragon that looked oddly familiar.
"It's Shadow." Ginny announced. "Charlie said you would know who that was. I guess your little friend has grown a bit."
The dragon stood at least three feet taller than Charlie and Charlie ducked out of the way just before a shot of flame erupted from the fireball. She watched the picture replay itself, smiling as she saw the fire in Charlie's eyes. He certainly loved his dragons.
"I guess it's difficult to get a dragon to smile." Teased Harry. Ginny laughed.
Hermione smiled at them. "Thank you all so much, but I have to get going to class."
"Me too!" Chimed in Ginny standing up with Hermione.
"See you at Quidditch practice Ginny!" Harry called after the girls.
"Bye!" Yelled Ron whose mouth was finally empty.
Hermione's day floated along blissfully. She had mastered a difficult charm, she had translated a difficult rune, and she had successfully brewed a complicated potion. The only draw back was that she still had not heard from Charlie. She realized he was in Romania, but still. Ginny promised her he hadn't forgotten so she clung to that hope as she made her way to Arithmancy for her last class of the day.
"Well, well, well," A sneering voice drawled behind her, "if it isn't a lone Gryffindor."
"Malfoy." Hermione said calmly.
"What? No snide comment? No unsuspecting hex?" Malfoy goaded her.
Hermione sighed in annoyance. "What exactly do you want?" She asked stopping abruptly and spinning on her heel to face him.
"I want to give you a birthday present Granger." Draco said suavely. He moved closer to her. "It is your birthday isn't it?"
"Yes it is, but I don't want anything from you." She replied coolly resuming her walk down the corridor.
She heard his footsteps quickly catch up to hers and then fall in step beside her. "I expected better manners from you Granger."
"Get used to disappointment."
Draco was spinning his wand in his right hand as he walked silently beside her. If she didn't know better, she might think he was deep in thought, but she DID know better and tried to keep a brave face on.
"It's a shame really." He finally said.
"What is?"
"That you were so rude when I only wanted to give you something for your birthday." He answered her, his trademark smirk firmly in place.
"We both know you are as sincere as a doxie, so why don't you just tell me what you are really up to and let me be on my way." Hermione spat back.
"My, my. We do have a temper don't we." Draco persisted. He loved riling her up and watching her face flush. He noticed her slip her hand into the pocket of her robes and he was sure she was clutching her wand.
This was turning out better than anticipated. Draco had hoped to hex her but this verbal sparring was much more fun. He wondered just how far he could push her. As he was mulling this over, he suddenly felt something hit his head. He looked up just as another yellow canary dove straight for him. Draco raised his hands to protect his face. He moved over and the swirling circle of birds followed.
Hermione chuckled quietly but it was loud enough for Draco to realize that she had used a silent charm and the birds were a result. He pointed his wand and transfigured the birds into only feathers.
His smug look was short lived as the canaries returned almost instantly. This time he banished them and stormed back down the hallway. She hadn't heard the last of him, but obviously he had underestimated her abilities. The sixth years had only just begun silent spells, but he had no doubt that Hermione Granger had already mastered the skill. He would be ready for her next time.
Hermione chuckled again and continued toward her class. Arithmancy was fascinating and today's lecture was extremely interesting so she was a bit put out when the professor announced that would be it for the day. She began to repack her quills and parchment so she could head for the library when Collin Creevey entered the room.
"Hermione," he called out happily. "I have a message for you."
"Hello Collin," she answered amiably.
"Here." He handed her a scroll and moved to sit down at the table she was just vacating.
"Thank you." She murmured on her way out of the room.
Once she got to her favorite table in the library she sat down to read the message.
Miss Granger,
Please report to my office immediately before dinner this evening.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Professor Dumbledore? She wondered why he wanted to see her. She knew Harry was having private lessons with him this year, but she didn't think they would involve her. She decided that there was no point in worrying about it now and settled into her studies.
The afternoon passed rapidly and she was surprised to discover that it was almost dinnertime. She gathered her belongings and headed for Gryffindor tower. She took the passageway behind the tapestry on the third floor that opened up to the moving staircase and finally reached the hallway leading to the fat lady's portrait. A group of mud caked students was just climbing through.
"Hello Hermione." Harry called to her as he waited for her to get to him.
"Hi Harry. How was Quidditch?"
"Challenging. I never realized all of what Oliver and Anjelina had to do. But, we are coming along."
"You'll be a brilliant captain Harry." Hermione encouraged. "It just takes a bit to get sorted."
"I'm sure you're right." He answered as they entered the common room.
Parvati and Lavender, who was actually blushing at something Ron said just before he dashed up the stairs to the boy's dormitory, had moved toward the couch. Hermione shook her head and proceeded up to her own room to freshen up.
She arrived at the gargoyles leading to the headmaster's office slightly out of breath. She paused for a moment to catch her breath. Two hands shot out covering her eyes and she was pulled back into a firm muscular chest. Her first instinct was to panic after her earlier altercation with Malfoy, but a moment later she smelled a scent that made her grin from ear to ear.
Charlie.
"Hi Dragon Tamer."
"Hi Bookworm." He replied releasing her eyes and wrapping his arms around her.
"I am so happy to see you, but what are you doing here?"
"You didn't think I could forget this very important day, now did you?" He spun her around in his arms and searched her eyes. Hermione's face flamed red.
"No. Ginny told me you hadn't, but…" she hesitated.
"But what?" She slowly raised her eyes to meet his.
"But I hadn't heard from you and I never expected that you would come to Hogwarts—"
Charlie silenced her with a kiss. After a moment he pulled away and grabbed her hand. "I am glad that I surprised you. I wanted to make this day very special for you, but…" he paused dramatically, "we don't have a lot of time so come on!" He began to run through the hallways towing her behind him.
Hermione observed that he was nearly giddy and laughed getting caught up in his enthusiasm. As he led her behind tapestries and up hidden staircases, she wondered where they were heading. But then, she saw the portrait on the wall. It was in the hallway. She had spent a fair amount of time here last year with the D.A. He was taking her to the room of requirement. Idly she wondered what he had needed the room to be.
She didn't have to wonder for long as he stopped, dropped her hand and walked back and forth three times.
He covered her eyes again and led her into the room. She could feel the temperature drop and the room smelled airy, like being out of doors…like being in Romania. She grabbed his hand and pulled it away from her eyes.
"Oh Charlie!" She squealed as she gazed at the star strung sky and the aging tree next to them on a hill overlooking the valley of the dragon reserve.
"Do you like it?"
"Of course. I have missed Romania."
"Just Romania?" he teased.
"Well, I have missed Shadow too." She added quietly. "Oh, and Royce."
Charlie pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. "Anything else you might have missed?"
She looked up into his eyes that were twinkling with happiness and answered him with a kiss. "What do you think?" She finally whispered.
"I think…you should tell me how much you miss me some more." He leaned in and kissed her again gently.
They pulled apart slowly with their eyes locked together. Charlie led her to the blanket he had set up beneath the tree and opened the picnic basket. He handed her one of his mother's chocolate biscuits and chuckled as she sighed happily biting into it.
Dinner was delicious and full of animated conversation between the two of them. Charlie was continually amazed at how much they could find to talk about. He loved watching her smile and laugh and the glint that would come into her eyes when she told him a story that involved stealth or rule breaking. He realized that he was mesmerized by her very existence.
Charlie eventually pulled Hermione to standing and took her to the rock overlooking the camp. It was amazing how real it all seemed even though they were only in a room in Hogwarts.
He sat next to her and nudged her with his shoulder. "You know, you haven't once asked me about your present."
"My present?" She asked sweetly. Hermione spread her arms wide. "I thought THIS was my present. You. Here. Together."
Charlie laughed out loud. "It's more of a means to an end." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black box.
"I want to tell you a story before I give this to you." He began, holding the box on his knee.
"Okay, tell me a story, Charlie." Hermione leaned back on her hands and gave him her complete attention. She was more than curious.
"Once there was a man with red hair—" Charlie laughed, "Who wasn't me." Hermione giggled and nodded.
"Anyhow, this man loved a woman very much and he wanted to pick a gift for this woman that would show him how much he truly loved her. Not just for this birthday, but all the hope he had for the future with her. He wanted her to know how special she was to him throughout the life he envisioned having with her."
Charlie paused and grabbed Hermione's hand. "Hermione, that man was my father. And when my mum was seventeen he knew that she was very special. I am a lot like my dad. I have two good eyes and I see what I want. I love you, Hermione. I love you so much that I have chosen to give you the same gift that my dad gave my mum on her seventeenth birthday."
Hermione sniffled and smiled. "Charlie, I can't believe you would do that."
"You don't even know what it is yet…" Charlie faded off as he saw the sparkle in her eyes. "You do know don't you?" Hermione nodded.
"I asked your mother about hers during one of the summers I stayed at the Burrow."
Charlie grinned and opened the box. He pulled the bracelet gently from the velvet lining and clasped it around her wrist. Then he sat back and watched her looking at it.
Hermione stared at the thin golden chain and slid it around to look at the first charm. She looked up and smiled. "I have seen this one before."
"That would be correct. That is the same charm that my mum has on her bracelet that my dad gave to her when I was born. Look at the next one."
Hermione turned the chain slowly and stopped when she saw the next charm. She was actually speechless. She touched it tenderly and looked at Charlie.
He put his hand over hers and leaned close to her ear. "You will always be my brave Gryffindor bookworm," he said. She laughed as she moved their hands to see her charm again. It was a little golden book with a worm as a bookmark with a garnet inset for an eye.
"I love it Charlie. And I love you." She kissed him on his cheek and snuggled into his shoulder to watch the Romanian starlit night.
He kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer as they settled in to watch the meteor shower Professor Dumbledore had added to the night sky.